Released Date: May 20th, 2025
Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Spice Level: 0.5 out of 5
Cover Grade: A
BEHOOVED, by M. Stevenson, is a cozy “charming slow-burn fantasy featuring a duty-bound noblewoman with a chronic illness, a prince who would rather be in a library than on a throne, and a magical ride through a world of cozy enchantment” (book blurb). She’s a little bit “Princess Bride,” and he’s a little bit “Lady Hawk,” only a horse. She put aside love to marry a new king to be for the good of her country, and he would rather be reading books in his library. Magic happens, misunderstandings happen, an assassin ruins their wedding night, and poof, he’s a horse. The rest is getting him back to a human permanently without arguing, so he can be crowned before it’s too late.
Verdict:
Worth the read. There is a refreshing take on imprecation and blasphemy in this world; I enjoyed it more than the typical fantasy cursing. Bianca and Aric’s journey is cute. Behooved is an easy read, with a simple plot, a little forced at times, but still worth adding to your collection. (6.5/10)
Thank you, Bramble and M. Stevenson. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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From the Publisher:
Publisher: Bramble
ISBN 9781250375087, 1250375088
Fiction | Romance | Fantasy
Fiction | Fantasy | Romance
Subjects:
Man & woman relationships | Magic | Princes | Nobility | Attempted assassination | Arranged marriage
352 pages, Paperback
On Sale Date: May 20th, 2025
Book Description:
A charming slow-burn fantasy featuring a duty-bound noblewoman with a chronic illness, a prince who would rather be in a library than on a throne, and a magical ride through a world of cozy enchantment
Bianca knows her duty comes before her heart. So when the threat of war looms, she agrees to marry the neighboring kingdom's heir. But not all royal weddings are a fairytale, and Prince Aric, Bianca's betrothed, is cold, aloof, and seems to hate her on sight.
To make matters worse, on their wedding night, an assassination attempt goes awry—leaving Aric magically transformed into a horse. Bianca does what any bride in this situation would do: she mounts her new husband and rides away to safety.
Sunset returns Aric to human form, but they soon discover the assassination attempt is part of a larger plot against the throne. Worse, Bianca has been framed for Aric's murder, and she's now saddled with a husband who is a horse by day and a frustratingly attractive man by night.
As an unexpected romance begins galloping away with their hearts, Bianca and Aric must rely on each other to unravel the curse and save the throne.
"Behooved is bewitchingly charming, a romantic fairy-tale adventure that will sweep you off your feet (or hooves)!"—Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop
Author Bio:
M. Stevenson is a writer, educator, and naturalist with degrees from Brown University (BA, Geology-Biology) and the University of Idaho (MEd, Environmental Education). An avid swing dancer, she's often found dancing Lindy Hop or wandering the woods talking to plants and birds. She is based in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Find her online at marinastevenson.com.
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